Preparation, characterization and in vitro release study of carvacrol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles

Statins anticancer targeted delivery systems: re-purposing an old molecule

OBJECTIVES

Exploring the use of statins as anticancer agents and exploiting different drug delivery systems in targeting these molecules to cancerous sites. Literature review was performed to investigate the use of statins in cancer treatment in one hand, and the different pharmaceutical approaches to deliver and target these drugs to their site of action.

KEY FINDINGS

Statins were used for decades as antihypercholestrolemic drugs but recently have been proven potential for broad anticancer activities. The incorporation of statins in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems not only augmented the cytotoxicity of statins but also overcame the resistance of cancerous cells against the traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Statins-loaded nanoparticles could be easily tampered to target the cancerous cells and consequently minimal drug amount could be utilized.

SUMMARY

This review reconnoitered the different endeavors to incorporate statins in various nanoparticles and summarized the successful effects in targeting cancerous cells and reducing their proliferation without the side effects of commonly used chemotherapeutic agents.

Cellulose Acetate Based Material with Antibacterial Properties Created by Supercritical Solvent Impregnation

Supercritical CO2 was used as a green solvent and impregnation medium for loading cellulose acetate beads with carvacrol in order to obtain a biomaterial with antibacterial properties. Supercritical solvent impregnation was performed in a high-pressure view cell at temperature of 50°C and pressures of 10, 21, and 30 MPa with the processing time ranging from 2 to 18 h. The rate of impregnation increased with the pressure increase. However, maximum impregnation yield (round 60%) was not affected by the pressure applied. Selected samples of the impregnated cellulose acetate containing 6–60% of carvacrol were proven to have considerable antibacterial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus which causes severe infections in humans and animals. In addition, cellulose acetate beads containing 6.0–33.6% of carvacrol were shown to have a porous structure with submicron pores which is of interest for the controlled delivery applications.

Effect of Oregano and Marjoram Essential Oils on the Physical and Antimicrobial Properties of Chitosan Based Systems

The effect of two essential oils (EOs), from Origanum vulgare and Origanum majorana, their structural properties, and concentration on physical and antimicrobial characteristics of chitosan based solutions as well as films was investigated. Results showed that significantly different behaviour was induced by variation in the compositions of given essential oils. Film-forming solutions (FFS) containing oregano oil comprised considerably greater particles in comparison with the marjoram samples. Similarly, structural changes were confirmed by SEM analysis of chitosan films modified with the EOs; the smaller particles of the marjoram oil demonstrated better compatibility with chitosan matrix. However, chitosan films enriched with the oregano oil showed significantly superior antimicrobial activity compared to the marjoram. The dissimilar effects of the two EOs were also observed by water vapour pressure (WVP) measurement; increasing the amount of oregano oil triggered a drop in the WVP of the prepared films, whereas the marjoram oil had a negligible impact in this respect. These results suggest that the structural features of active substances in the EOs play a crucial role in determining the final properties of FFS and biofilm systems.

Development of chitosan nanocapsules for the controlled release of hexaconazole

Accelerated use of pesticides in cutting edge agriculture prompted us to explore smart nanoformulations to subside the consumption of these perilous chemicals. Polymer nanocapsules carrying a fungicide, hexaconazole were developed through ionotropic gelation method utilizing chitosan and tripolyphosphate (TPP). The nanocapsules were characterized by photon correlation spectroscope (PCS), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscope. Nanocapsules were optimized for size and high encapsulation efficiency using central composite design (CCD) software. The encapsulation efficiency of nanocapsules for hexaconazole was 73% as assessed by gas chromatography (GC). Nanocapsules were analysed and compared with commercial formulation for controlled release in vitro at three different pH values. Release of hexaconazole from nanocapsules was fastest at pH 4 in comparison to pH 7 and pH 10. Release study in soil was also conducted and revealed a controlled pattern for nanoformulation. The fungicidal activity of the prepared nanoformulation was evaluated against R. solani and was compared with commercial formulation of hexaconazole. The cytotoxicity assay performed on vero cell lines by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay confirmed that nanoformulation is less toxic than commercial formulation of pesticide.

Preparation and characterization of essential oil-loaded starch nanoparticles formed by short glucan chains

Essential oils (EOs), including menthone, oregano, cinnamon, lavender, and citral, are natural products that have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. However, extremely low water solubility, and easy degradation by heat, restrict their application. The aim of this work was to evaluate the enhancement in antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of EOs encapsulated in starch nanoparticles (SNPs) prepared by short glucan chains. For the first time, we have successfully fabricated menthone-loaded SNPs (SNPs-M) at different complexation temperatures (30, 60, and 90°C) by an in situ nanoprecipitation method. The SNPs-M displayed spherical shapes, and the particle sizes ranged from 93 to 113nm. The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of SNPs-M increased significantly with an increase in complexation temperature, and the maximum EE was 86.6%. The SNPs-M formed at 90°C had high crystallization and thermal stability. The durations of the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of EOs was extended by their encapsulation in the SNPs.

Nano-formulations of drugs: Recent developments, impact and challenges

Nano-formulations of medicinal drugs have attracted the interest of many researchers for drug delivery applications. These nano-formulations enhance the properties of conventional drugs and are specific to the targeted delivery site. Dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nano-emulsions and micelles are some of the nano-formulations that are gaining prominence in pharmaceutical industry for enhanced drug formulation. Wide varieties of synthesis methods are available for the preparation of nano-formulations to deliver drugs in biological system. The choice of synthesis methods depend on the size and shape of particulate formulation, biochemical properties of drug, and the targeted site. This article discusses recent developments in nano-formulation and the progressive impact on pharmaceutical research and industries. Additionally, process challenges relating to consistent generation of nano-formulations for drug delivery are discussed.

Evaluation of alginate-whey protein microcapsules for intestinal delivery of lipophilic compounds in pigs

BACKGROUND

In animal care and management, there is an increasing demand for convenient methods of oral delivery of bioactive compounds to specific segments of an animal's gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to test the suitability of microcapsules made with alginate and whey proteins of two different sizes (250 and 800 µm; containing 72 and 76 g kg(-1) of carvacrol respectively) for intestinal delivery of carvacrol in pigs.

RESULTS

Encapsulated carvacrol was completely released from the microcapsules after 5 h incubation in simulated intestinal fluids or 6 h in (ex vivo) ileal digesta, whereas release in simulated gastric fluid was minimal. Tests with growing pigs showed over 95% of unencapsulated carvacrol was absorbed or metabolized in the stomach and the duodenum. Encapsulation effectively minimized carvacrol absorption in the stomach (P < 0.05), and increased carvacrol recovery in the small intestine (P < 0.05). Encapsulated carvacrol was completely released from both small and large size capsules within the gastrointestinal tract of pigs. Larger size microcapsules showed a slower in vitro release and greater in vivo recovery of carvacrol in the small intestine (P < 0.05) than the smaller ones.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates alginate-whey protein microencapsulation is a feasible approach for targeted oral delivery of hydrophobic compounds to pig intestines; increasing capsule size increased delivery of carvacrol to the end of the small intestine. © 2015 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polymeric Nanoparticle-Based Photodynamic Therapy for Chronic Periodontitis in Vivo

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is increasingly being explored for treatment of periodontitis. Here, we investigated the effect of aPDT on human dental plaque bacteria in suspensions and biofilms in vitro using methylene blue (MB)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) nanoparticles (MB-NP) and red light at 660 nm. The effect of MB-NP-based aPDT was also evaluated in a clinical pilot study with 10 adult human subjects with chronic periodontitis. Dental plaque samples from human subjects were exposed to aPDT—in planktonic and biofilm phases—with MB or MB-NP (25 µg/mL) at 20 J/cm²in vitro. Patients were treated either with ultrasonic scaling and scaling and root planing (US + SRP) or ultrasonic scaling + SRP + aPDT with MB-NP (25 µg/mL and 20 J/cm²) in a split-mouth design. In biofilms, MB-NP eliminated approximately 25% more bacteria than free MB. The clinical study demonstrated the safety of aPDT. Both groups showed similar improvements of clinical parameters one month following treatments. However, at three months ultrasonic SRP + aPDT showed a greater effect (28.82%) on gingival bleeding index (GBI) compared to ultrasonic SRP. The utilization of PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated with MB may be a promising adjunct in antimicrobial periodontal treatment.

Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Physical and Antimicrobial Properties of Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites

In this work, biopolymer-based nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties were prepared via melt-compounding. In particular, graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) as fillers and an antibiotic, i.e., ciprofloxacin (CFX), as biocide were incorporated in a commercial biodegradable polymer blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and a copolyester (BioFlex^®). The prepared materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheological and mechanical measurements. Moreover, the effect of GnPs on the antimicrobial properties and release kinetics of CFX was evaluated. The results indicated that the incorporation of GnPs increased the stiffness of the biopolymeric matrix and allowed for the tuning of the release of CFX without hindering the antimicrobial activity of the obtained materials.

Destruction of Opportunistic Pathogens via Polymer Nanoparticle-Mediated Release of Plant-Based Antimicrobial Payloads

The synthesis of antimicrobial thymol/carvacrol-loaded polythioether nanoparticles (NPs) via a one-pot, solvent-free miniemulsion thiol-ene photopolymerization process is reported. The active antimicrobial agents, thymol and carvacrol, are employed as "solvents" for the thiol-ene monomer phase in the miniemulsion to enable facile high capacity loading (≈50% w/w), excellent encapsulation efficiencies (>95%), and elimination of all postpolymerization purification processes. The NPs serve as high capacity reservoirs for slow-release and delivery of thymol/carvacrol-combination payloads that exhibit inhibitory and bactericidal activity (>99.9% kill efficiency at 24 h) against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including both saprophytic (Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922) and pathogenic species (E. coli ATCC 43895, Staphylococcus aureus RN6390, and Burkholderia cenocepacia K56-2). This report is among the first to demonstrate antimicrobial efficacy of essential oil-loaded nanoparticles against B. cenocepacia - an innately resistant opportunistic pathogen commonly associated with debilitating respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis. Although a model platform, these results point to promising pathways to particle-based delivery of plant-derived extracts for a range of antimicrobial applications, including active packaging materials, topical antiseptics, and innovative therapeutics.

Chitosan nanoparticles synthesis caught in action using microdroplet reactions

The ionic gelation process for the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles was carried out in microdroplet reactions. The synthesis could be stopped instantaneously at different time points by fast dilution of the reaction mixture with DI water. Using this simple technique, the effect of temperature and reactant concentrations on the size and distribution of the nanoparticles formed, as a function of time, could be investigated by DLS and SEM. Results obtained indicated very early (1-5 s) nucleation of the particles followed by growth. The concentration of reactants, reaction temperature as well as time, were found to (severally and collectively) determine the size of nanoparticles and their distribution. Nanoparticles obtained at 4 °C were smaller (60-80 nm) with narrower size distribution. Simulation experiments using Comsol software showed that at 4 °C 'droplet synthesis' of nanoparticles gets miniaturised to 'droplet-core synthesis', which is being reported for the first time.

Preparation and in vitro investigation of antigastric cancer activities of carvacrol-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles

In this study, carvacrol-loaded human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles were developed and characterised. Nanoparticles were prepared by desolvation and emulsion/desolvation methods. Encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and loading capacity (LC%) of nanoparticles prepared by desolvation method were 48.4 and 45.1%, respectively. Carvacrol-loaded nanoparticles had 132±42 nm in diameter with monomodal distribution. Carvacrol-loaded nanoparticles which is prepared by emulsion/desolvation method had EE% and LC% of 32 and 32.3%, respectively, and 230±38 nm in size. The release of carvacrol from nanoparticles was monitored in phosphate-buffered saline (pH=7.4), 100 rpm at 37°C for 10 days. About 21.4% of carvacrol was released after 3 h from nanoparticles that were prepared by desolvation method. In emulsion/desolvation method, 26.8% of total carvacrol was released during 3 h of incubation. Cytotoxicity effect of loaded carvacrol was assessed by 3-[4, 5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test on gastric cancer cells line (AGS). Cell line was exposed to the free carvacrol, unloaded and carvacrol-loaded nanoparticles for 48 h. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for free carvacrol, unloaded and carvacrol-loaded HSA nanoparticles were 30, 1070 and 120 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, the results of this study showed applications of HSA nanoparticles for entrapment of carvacrol and antigastric cancer activity. Moreover, loading of carvacrol in combination with chemotherapy agents into the HSA nanoparticles may treat cancer cells better than single drug loaded nanoparticles.

Self assembled hyaluronic acid nanoparticles as a potential carrier for targeting the inflamed intestinal mucosa

To develop a nanoparticulate drug carrier for targeting of the inflamed intestinal mucosa, amphiphilic hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugates were synthesized, which could form self-assembled nanoparticles (NPs) in aqueous solution and budesonide (BDS) was loaded into the HANPs. Their particle sizes were in the range of 177 to 293nm with negative surface charge. The model of inflammatory CACO-2 cells was utilized to investigate the therapeutic potential of budesonide loaded HA nanocarriers. The highest expression of CD44 receptors was found on inflamed Caco-2 cells, as determined by flow cytometry. FITC-labeled HANPs revealed greater uptake in inflamed CACO-2 cells compared to untreated CACO-2 and CD44-negative cell lines, NIH3T3. BDS loaded HANPs displayed almost no toxicity indicating HANPs are excellent biocompatible nano-carriers. BDS loaded HANPs demonstrated higher anti-inflammatory effect on IL-8 and TNF-α secretion in inflamed cell model compared to the same dose of free drug. These results revealed the promising potential of HA nanoparticles as a targeted drug delivery system for IBD treatment.

PEGylated and poloxamer-modified chitosan nanoparticles incorporating a lysine-based surfactant for pH-triggered doxorubicin release

The growing demand for efficient chemotherapy in many cancers requires novel approaches in target-delivery technologies. Nanomaterials with pH-responsive behavior appear to have potential ability to selectively release the encapsulated molecules by sensing the acidic tumor microenvironment or the low pH found in endosomes. Likewise, polyethylene glycol (PEG)- and poloxamer-modified nanocarriers have been gaining attention regarding their potential to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapy. In this context, DOX-loaded pH-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) modified with PEG or poloxamer were prepared and the effects of these modifiers were evaluated on the overall characteristics of these nanostructures. Chitosan and tripolyphosphate were selected to form NPs by the interaction of oppositely charged compounds. A pH-sensitive lysine-based amphiphile (77KS) was used as a bioactive adjuvant. The strong dependence of 77KS ionization with pH makes this compound an interesting candidate to be used for the design of pH-sensitive devices. The physicochemical characterization of all NPs has been performed, and it was shown that the presence of 77KS clearly promotes a pH-triggered DOX release. Accelerated and continuous release patterns of DOX from CS-NPs under acidic conditions were observed regardless of the presence of PEG or poloxamer. Moreover, photodegradation studies have indicated that the lyophilization of NPs improved DOX stability under UVA radiation. Finally, cytotoxicity experiments have shown the ability of DOX-loaded CS-NPs to kill HeLa tumor cells. Hence, the overall results suggest that these pH-responsive CS-NPs are highly potent delivery systems to target tumor and intracellular environments, rendering them promising DOX carrier systems for cancer therapy.

Synthesis of Monodisperse Chitosan Nanoparticles and in Situ Drug Loading Using Active Microreactor

Chitosan nanoparticles are promising drug delivery vehicles. However, the conventional method of unregulated mixing during ionic gelation limits their application because of heterogeneity in size and physicochemical properties. Therefore, a detailed theoretical analysis of conventional and active microreactor models was simulated. This led to design and fabrication of a polydimethylsiloxane microreactor with magnetic micro needles for the synthesis of monodisperse chitosan nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles synthesized conventionally, using 0.5 mg/mL chitosan, were 250 ± 27 nm with +29.8 ± 8 mV charge. Using similar parameters, the microreactor yielded small size particles (154 ± 20 nm) at optimized flow rate of 400 μL/min. Further optimization at 0.4 mg/mL chitosan concentration yielded particles (130 ± 9 nm) with higher charge (+39.8 ± 5 mV). The well-controlled microreactor-based mixing generated highly monodisperse particles with tunable properties including antifungal drug entrapment (80%), release rate, and effective activity (MIC, 1 μg/mL) against Candida.

Antimicrobial activity of thyme oil co-nanoemulsified with sodium caseinate and lecithin

Emulsions of essential oils are investigated as potential intervention strategies to improve food safety and are preferably prepared from generally-recognized-as-safe emulsifiers. Stable thyme oil nanoemulsions can be prepared using combinations of sodium caseinate (NaCas) and soy lecithin. The objective of the present research was to study the antimicrobial activity of these nanoemulsions and understand the impacts of emulsifier concentrations. 10 g/L thyme oil was emulsified using combinations of (A) 4% w/v NaCas and 0.5% w/v lecithin or (B) 2% w/v NaCas and 0.25% w/v lecithin by high shear homogenization. Combination A resulted in a transparent emulsion with a mean droplet diameter of 82.5 nm, while it was turbid for the Combination B with an average diameter of 125.5 nm. Nanoemulsified thyme oil exhibited quicker initial reductions of bacteria than free thyme oil in tryptic soy broth (TSB) and 2% reduced fat milk at 21 °C, due to the improved dispersibility of thyme oil. In TSB with 0.3 g/L thyme oil, it took less than 4 and 8 h for two nanoemulsions and free oil, respectively, to reduce Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes to be below the detection limit. The emulsified thyme oil also demonstrated more significant reductions of bacteria initially (4 and 8 h) in 2% reduced fat milk than free thyme oil. Especially, with 4 g/L thyme oil, the nanoemulsion prepared with Combination A reduced L. monocytogenes to be below the detection limit after 72 h, while the free thyme oil treatment was only bacteriostatic and the turbid nanoemulsion treatment with Combination B resulted in about 1 log CFU/mL reduction. However, E. coli O157:H7 treated with 3 g/L emulsified thyme oil and Salmonella Enteritidis treated with 4 g/L emulsified thyme oil recovered to a higher extent in milk than free thyme oil treatments. The increased concentration of emulsifiers in Combination A apparently reduced the antimicrobials available to alter bacteria membrane permeability as tested by the crystal violet assay at low antimicrobial concentrations and short time (1 h). The findings suggest that nanoemulsions can be potentially used to incorporate thyme oil for use as antimicrobial preservatives in foods.

Current state on the development of nanoparticles for use against bacterial gastrointestinal pathogens. Focus on chitosan nanoparticles loaded with phenolic compounds

Gastrointestinal diseases have a huge impact especially in third world countries, making it urgent to seek new effective antimicrobial therapies. Thus, the development of nanoparticles (NPs) with bioactive compounds having antimicrobial activity has been the target of research over the past years. The development of antimicrobial drug NPs may be promising to overcome the problems associated with antibiotic resistance caused by many pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, the NPs administration of antimicrobial agents has advantages associated therewith, as use of low cost materials, contribution to the improvement of the therapeutic index and a controlled release drug by increasing the pharmacokinetics. These systems can be used to specific strains of bacteria, and to release interesting antimicrobial compounds. The phenolic compounds (PC) are a class of such bioactive compounds for which their antimicrobial activity was already tested on the production of NPs. Polymeric or lipidic NPs systems have been investigated to deliver these compounds. Chitosan is a polymer widely known for their properties, especially the antimicrobial activity and its ability to adhere to intestinal epithelium. This review article aims to evaluate and discuss recent developments in PC new delivery systems with antimicrobial activity against gastrointestinal pathogens, their production processes, activities, focusing on NPs produced using chitosan as the main structural and functional material.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded the herbicide paraquat: the influence of the aquatic humic substances on the colloidal stability and toxicity

Polymeric nanoparticles have been developed for several applications, among them as carrier system of pesticides. However, few studies have investigated the fate of these materials in the environment in relation to colloidal stability and toxicity. In nature, humic substances are the main agents responsible for complexation with metals and organic compounds, as well as responsible for the dynamics of these nanoparticles in aquatic and terrestrial environments. In this context, the evaluation of the influence of aquatic humic substances (AHS) on the colloidal stability and toxicity of polymeric nanoparticles of chitosan/tripolyphosphate with or without paraquat was performed. In this study, the nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method and characterized by size distribution measurements (DLS and NTA), zeta potential, infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy. Allium cepa genotoxicity studies and ecotoxicity assays with the alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata were used to investigate the effect of aquatic humic substances (AHS) on the toxicity of this delivery system. No changes were observed in the physical-chemical stability of the nanoparticles due to the presence of AHS using DLS and NTA techniques. However some evidence of interaction between the nanoparticles and AHS was observed by infrared and fluorescence spectroscopies. The ecotoxicity and genotoxicity assays showed that humic substances can decrease the toxic effects of nanoparticles containing paraquat. These results are interesting because they are important for understanding the interaction of these nanostructured carrier systems with species present in aquatic ecosystems such as humic substances, and in this way, opening new perspectives for studies on the dynamics of these carrier systems in the ecosystem.

Pravastatin chitosan nanogels-loaded erythrocytes as a new delivery strategy for targeting liver cancer

Chitosan nanogels (CNG) are developed as one of the most promising carriers for cancer targeting. However, these carriers are rapidly eliminated from circulation by reticuloendothelial system (RES), which limits their application. Therefore, erythrocytes (ER) loaded CNG as multifunctional carrier may overcome the massive elimination of nanocarriers by RES. In this study, erythrocytes loaded pravastatin-chitosan nanogels (PR-CNG-ER) were utilized as a novel drug carrier to target liver cancer. Thus, PR-CNG formula was developed in nanosize, with good entrapment efficiency, drug loading and sustained release over 48 h. Then, PR-CNG loaded into ER were prepared by hypotonic preswelling technique. The resulting PR-CNG-ER showed 36.85% of entrapment efficiency, 66.82% of cell recovery and release consistent to that of hemoglobin over 48 h. Moreover, PR-CNG-ER exhibited negative zeta potential, increasing of hemolysis percent, marked phosphatidylserine exposure and stomatocytes shape compared to control unloaded erythrocytes. PR-CNG-ER reduced cells viability of HepG2 cells line by 28% compared to unloaded erythrocytes (UER). These results concluded that PR-CNG-ER are promising drug carriers to target liver cancer.

Conditions to Prolonged Release of Microencapsulated Carvacrol on Alginate Films as Affected by Emulsifier Type and PH

Alginate from algal biomass is used as edible film and the incorporation of antimicrobial agents improves its performance to increase the shelf-life of fresh foods. However, environmental conditions and intrinsic properties of films influence their release. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the concentration and type of encapsulating agent and pH of emulsions on the physical and antimicrobial properties of alginate-carvacrol films. Films containing alginate, carvacrol as antimicrobial agent, and Tween 20 or trehalose (0.25 and 0.75% w/w) as encapsulating agents were obtained from suspensions at pH 4 and pH 8. Physical characterization of emulsions and films and antimicrobial properties (E. coliandB. cinerea) was evaluated. Results showed that droplets size depended on trehalose concentration, but emulsion stability depended on pH and type of encapsulating agent, being more stable samples with trehalose at pH 4. Although films with Tween 20 presented the highest opacity, they showed the best antimicrobial properties at initial time; however, during storage time, they lost their activity before samples with trehalose and relative humidity (RH) was the principal factor to influence their release. Therefore, sample formulated with 0.25% trehalose at pH 4 and stored at 75% RH had the best potential as edible film for fresh fruits.